Militarized Civilian Weapons

[semoreb]

I know there was a post going before the great crash in regards to using better underrepresented weapons. I was just wondering if anyone has any pictures or has seen any of these modified civilian weapons. I know that the Confederate government took in any serviceable firearms they thought they might be able to modify for use by the new troops. I have seen some examples such as the dug example in the battlefields of the civil war book, but I was wondering if anyone knew if there were any other modifications like that example. It appears as though the barrel has been machined down to accept a military style bayonet and possibly rebored to a more standard military caliber of the time. I also have seen examples of mountain style rifles with saber or sword bayonet adaptors. Any help appreciated.

semoreb - James Maupin

[ley74]

Re: Militarized Civilian Weapons

While not in response to your post...

Are you kin to THE James Maupin, commander of Longstreet's Corps? I bet you get this alot.

[NC5thCav]

Re: Militarized Civilian Weapons

The last one I remember seeing in person was a modified civilian longrifle-style weapon. The stock had been cut back from the muzzle, the end of the octoganol barrel was turned down on a lathe to accept a socket bayonet, and the rifle was converted to percussion. I beleive it was also rebored to .58 cal. It was a very nice piece at a very nice price with a TN provence.

[Chris Suppelsa]

Re: Militarized Civilian Weapons

Take a look in EOG, i thought there were some civilian weapons in there.

[Paul Beall]

Re: Militarized Civilian Weapons

Though this does not address the question directly; the Muster Rolls of 27 Regiment NC Militia, 31 Dec 1862 (Wayne County, NC) noted “private arms” in the possession of the enlistee as guns and/or rifles. By my count 60% of those listed reported with private arms.



See:
NC Archives
George W. Collier Papers
1861-1865
PC 415

-----------------------------

Paul McArthur Beall
Cape Fear

[semoreb]

Re: Militarized Civilian Weapons

To all who wonder,

Alas I am not THE James Maupin. I am just a lowly private from small town
Missouri. There is probably a relation somewhere along the family tree as I am aware my family origins after France was to come to Virginia to grow tobacco some time after the Hugenot migration.

semoreb - James Maupin